Backers of education tax credit tout their labor support

Clearly seeking to counter some of the vocal labor union opposition to a proposed state education tax credit bill, supporters of the measure are touting union support of their own, including a number of law enforcement and other uniformed unions from New York City, Nassau and Suffolk. The bill is still under consideration as the Albany legislative session grinds on.

Thomas Mungeer from the NYS Troopers PBA said: "This legislation is important to my members who live across the entire state of New York. Our newly created scholarship fund is entirely dependent on contributions, anything we can do to encourage and reward people for participating in this great cause can help our members directly."

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo called for $150 million worth of tax credits in all. Families with incomes below $60,000 would receive $500 tax credits to offset private school tuition. Donors who give as much as $1 million to fund scholarships would be rewarded by the government with tax credits of up to 75 percent of the contribution. Teachers who buy classroom supplies out of pocket could get tax credits of as much as $200.